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The Long-Slit Levitator Experiment
A colleague of mine doubts that Radial Momentum explains lift,
and claims it is a Bernoulli Principle effect. To prove his case, he proposes I
build a long-slit orifice device that would preclude the development of Radial
Momentum. If such a configuration could demonstrate lift, it would indicate
independence of lift from Radial Momentum and disprove my theory once and for
all. Rather than prove his case, the device shows little ability to lift a card,
further advancing the case for Radial Momentum. In honor of his contribution, I
used his business card in the demonstration.
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The Long-Slit Levitator
According to classical Bernoulli Principle application,
a business card should adhere to a long-slit levitator. According to the
theory of Radial Momentum, as long as it stays rigid and parallel to the
surface, it should blow off. The card lays flat on the bed, against the
slit. The head and foot boards prevent radial flow at the ends of the
business card. |
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Levitator showing long-slit orifice. |
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Levitator with card in position. In operation, I turn the
device upside-down and apply air through the fitting, so as to test
adherence of the card. I fabricated the device from acrylic plastic. |
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Test Results
The levitator does not lift anything rigid brought up
parallel to its surface, like plastic disks or even a card made of
Styrofoam. If there is any lift at all, it is substantially less than
that observed with devices that allow Radial Momentum. Furthermore, lift
only obtains when the test object is brought up at a slight angle to the
surface so as to allow external coning, a radial expansion artifact.
Similarly, the device also suspends a bowed business card brought up
lengthwise underneath the bed. The device does not lift a business card
brought up crosswise underneath the bed. These findings indicate that to
the extent Radial Momentum is precluded, lift is also precluded. The
popular interpretation of Bernoulli's Principle, that high velocity
causes low pressure, does not explain lift.
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External Coning
Unless the card is kept parallel with the face of the
levitator, a coning region that supports Radial Momentum may develop
between the card and the levitator. |
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